Articles by Julian Mercer

Business // September 1, 2026

How Custody Modifications Work in MA

Table Of Contents When a Custody Modification May Make Sense The Massachusetts Legal Standard Changes That May Support a Request Agreement Versus…

How to Buy an Existing Business Without Walking Into a Mess

Buying an existing business can look easier than starting from scratch. The brand already exists, customers already know the name, and money may already be coming in. Still, you’re not buying a vending machine that prints cash on command. You’re stepping into someone else’s systems, habits, and risks. If you want the deal to work, … Read more

Joel Bartsch: Exploring African Wildlife at the Houston Museum of Natural Science

Joel Bartsch is a longtime museum executive and educator based in Houston, Texas, with decades of experience in museum leadership, curation, and public science education. As president and CEO of the Houston Museum of Natural Science, Joel Bartsch has helped guide the institution through significant growth in attendance, programming, and public engagement. His career has … Read more

A Practical Guide to Building Lasting Community Support for School Music Programs

Table of Contents Why Community Support Matters Start With Local Needs Build a Local Support Team Choose Practical Funding Options Support Music Teachers and Staff Make Access Fair for Every Student Track Results and Share Progress Avoid Common Planning Mistakes A Simple 90-Day Action Plan Common Questions Conclusion Strong school music programs need more than … Read more

How Custody Modifications Work in MA

Table Of Contents When a Custody Modification May Make Sense The Massachusetts Legal Standard Changes That May Support a Request Agreement Versus a Contested Case How the Filing Process Works Evidence That Can Matter Temporary Orders and Safety Concerns Building a Practical, Updated Parenting Plan What Happens After the Court Decides A custody order is … Read more

Portable Toilet Considerations for Multi-Lot Housing Developments

Multi-lot housing developments create sanitation challenges that are different from single-home construction sites. Contractors may have crews working on several lots at once, with framing, roofing, siding, utilities, concrete, landscaping, inspections, and finish work happening across different phases. Workers need restroom access that follows the pace of the development, not just one unit placed near … Read more

What Makes a “Difficult” Liability Case—And How Steve Dimopoulos Wins Them

Key Takeaways Difficult liability cases usually involve disputed fault, incomplete evidence, serious injuries, or several potentially responsible parties. A strong case requires prompt investigation, organized documentation, and a clear explanation of how the harm occurred. Insurance companies often challenge responsibility, injury severity, treatment needs, or the value of damages. Cases involving commercial vehicles, unsafe properties, … Read more

A Clear Leave Of Absence Process For Modern HR Teams

  Key Takeaways A clear leave process tells employees what to do, when to do it, and who can help. Each request should be reviewed against applicable federal, state, local, and company rules. Consistent timelines, secure records, and plain-language communication reduce confusion. Leave, disability accommodation, benefits, and return-to-work planning may overlap. Why A Clear Process … Read more

How to Build an Instructional Design Career That Actually Fits Your Skills

Instructional

If you like learning, writing, technology, and solving messy communication problems, instructional design can be a strong career choice. You’re not just making slides prettier or uploading quizzes into a learning platform. You’re shaping how people understand and use information in schools, companies, healthcare systems, and nonprofits. The field keeps growing as more organizations invest … Read more